Newspaper Page Text
130
Jala mi jgaptfet
J. J. TOON, .... Proprietor.
R9V. D. BHAVEILILD., Editor.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1869.
The Best Christian Speech.
When the statue of George Peabody, re
cently erected in one of the thoroughfares of
London, was unveiled, the sculptor, Story,
was asked to speak. Twice he touched the
statue with his hand, and said twice, “ That
is my speech ! That is my speech!”
There are Christians who deem themselves
too destitute*of “ gifts,” to plead the cause of
Christ in words. But let them not think
that they are debarred from the privilege of
bearing testimony for this cause. Their
“ graces ” and their “ good works ” may be
their speech ! They may speak by their faith,
and charity, and meekness; by their stead
fastness against temptation, their patience
under affliction, their honesty and diligence
in things of this life, their interest, zeal and
ardor in things of the life to come. They
may plead for Jesus and for soifls, with that
highest eloquence—the eloquence of holy
love and holy living—the eloquence of char
acter and action, bright with the image of
the One Faultless Example.
And let not the gifted forget, that words of
theirs can never compensate for the lack of
this loftier witness and advocacy. If their
walk—their manner of life—is silent, and
does not speak for Christ, vain will be mere
oratory, with the force of logic and the fire
of rhetoric. What DeQuineey calls “ the
mechanology of style,” is no sufficient substi
tute for a life that teaches, and therefore is a
sermon—that moves , and therefore is an ex
hortation. The best pulpit even of the ablest
divine is, the way of the feet, day day,—the
common, secular scenes, where “ such a con
versation ( behavior) as becometh the Gospel,”
points with one hand to the cross which
Christ endured for us, and with the other
to the crown which we shall wear with
Christ. .Oh, for the time when all who
publish the glad tidings of peace, can appeal
rather to their personal example, than to fheir
public ministrations, and say, “ That is my
speech ! That is my speech !”
‘‘ I,” In the Baptismal Formula.
In the recent contribution to juvenile lite
rature—“ Costar Grew, or the Young Ma
chinist,” the following occurs, as the baptismal
formula used by an aged pastor :
“ Upon thy profession of repentance to
ward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
in obedience to the command of my ascend
ed Lord and Master, I baptize thee, my
brother, in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
We do not propose in any way to assail
this formula; but simply to express our pref
erence for the omission of the personal pro
noun, “ I.” Not that we condemn even that,
when it comes from the lips of others; but
that we feel reluctant to employ it ourself,
in the baptism of the believer. There is
nothing in the celebration of the Lord’s sup
per, which requires the ministers or deacons
who officiate, to accompany the distribution
of tl\e bread and wine with any mention of
themselves : they do not (needlessly) tell us
that they do what all see done by them. We
think it seemly that there should be a like
oblivion of the administrator in baptism—as
far as possible, a keeping in the background
oh his part. How would our ministerial
brethren feel, if the proposition were put be
fore them to adopt, for the observance of the
Lord’s supper, a formula, in which at each
stage of the ordinance, announcement should
be made of the part they perform in it ?—as,
for example, u I break this bread,” “ 1 pour
out this wine,” etc? With some such feeling
as theirs in that contingency, we recoil from
a baptismal formula, which requires us to an
nounce our personal agency in the act. Be
sides : it has often struck us that this refer
ence of the administrator to himself would
be most congruous with the doctrine of
“sacerdotal grace”—the doctrine which makes
the baptizer an essential channel, for the con
veyance of the divine efficacy ascribed to the
ordinance, from God to the soul.
In this state of mind, we have, for years,
substituted for the usual form, the following :
“Be thou baptized into the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.” Without censure for those
who feel no such scruples, we prefer, in this
quiet way, to step aside, so that we may not
even seem to “ assert ourselves,” or to stand
between the subjects of the ordinance and
the Master whose vows they assume in it.
Religions Liberty.
• “A History of the Free [that is, Dissent
ing] Churches in England, from A.D. 1688
to A.D. 1851,” from the pen of Herbert S.
Skeats, which has reached a second edition in
London, bears this honorable testimony to
the spirit of our fathers, on the great and vi
tal question of “soul-freedom
“ It is the singular and distinguished honor
of the Baptists to have repudiated, from
their earliest history, all coercive power over
the consciences and the actions ot men with
reference to religion. . . . They were the
proto-evangelists of the voluntary principle.”
A Singular Contrast.
The “Liberal Catholics” in the Grand
Duchy of Baden demand the introduction of
lay delegation into the councils of the
church; and these views are spreading with
great rapidity, especially in Southern Germa
ny. Over against this remarkable fact,
stands the fact which we deem no less re
markable—that out of 137,210 votes cast in
the (Northern) Methodist church on the ques
tion of lay delegation, as reported in one of
our exchanges, 46,166 were against that
measure. Are there Methodists, then, un
willing to accept the lesson of Christian liber
ty which even Romanists are laying to heart?
ISF* We are glad that the greater portion
of our space on this page is demanded, the
present week, by cheering intelligence from
the churches. It would be matter of pro
foundest pleasure with us, if we had more
frequent necessity to occupy our columns
with these records of ‘ the good hand of the
Lord upon His people.’ Oh may weall write,
and preach, and labor, and pray, more ind
more, for this glory of God in the salvation
of souls! *
THE CHRISTIAN INDEX AND SOUTH-WESTERN ‘BAETIST: - ATLANTA, GA., Til URSDAY, AUGUST -26, 1869.
Our Zion—-in Our Exchanges, etc.
Georgia.
The Constitution announces that Rev. W. D.
Atkinson was bereaved by the sudden death of
his wife on the Bth : funeral sermon by Rev. Dr.
Landrum, of Savannah.—The first church, Ma
con, has granted leave of absence, for one month,
to the pastor, Rev. E. W. Warren ; but as his
health has improved, he prefers to continue at his
post, making up the time lost, through indispo
sition, in the early summer.—Rev. J. M. C. Shu
mate writes to us, from West Point, that a good
meeting is in progress at that point.—The Mil
ledgeville Recorder mentions the baptism of 18
persons, by Rev. Wilkes Flagg of the colored
Baptist church. —Rev. J. J. Brantly, D.D., of
Mercer University, supplied the pulpit of the
Second Baptist church, Atlanta, (i.is brother’s,)
on last Sabbath. How much of his father lives
again in him ! —Rev. J. S. Baker writes to us a
private note, from which we hope he will pardon
us for making the following extract: “We have
been engaged in a series of meetings in our
church ; 21 have been baptized and one back
slider reclaimed. I presume our pastor, brother
J. Mcßride, will communicate for your columns
particulars of our meeting. I expect to start
this evening for the seaboard region, to assist
brother D. G. Daniel for a few weeks, perhaps
four or five, in protracted meetings. lam feeble
in body, deaf, and almost blind, and my organs
of speech are so much impaired that they often
break down amfccompel me to stop in the midst
of a discourse or address; but I bless God for
the privilege of employing the little remnants of
what I was, that are left me, in His cause, and in
that of my dying fellow-n*en. Two of my older
grand-daughters have been baptized tips year—
one of them during our meeting ; and my older
grand-son has a hope in Christ.” —The Central
Georgian (Sandersville) says : “We are gratified
to learn of gracious revivals of religion with a
number of the churches belonging to the Mount
Yernon Baptist Association. Mt. Moriah, Jack
son’s and New Bethel have been particularly
blest, and have added near fifty names to their
membership.—“ Rev. Berry Peeler, of Hancock,
one of the oldest ministers of the Washington
Baptist Association, died a few days since. He
was indeed a zealous worker in the vineyard of
his Lord, having served him as an humble minis
ter for about 40 years, perhaps more.”—At Sha
ron church, Fulton county, Rev. W. Thames
pastor, a meeting of marked interest has been in
progress since Friday of last week. There have
been a number of professions of conversion, un
der the labors, principally, of two licentiates, J.
F. Eden and Robert Grant.
Alabama.
There have been 14 conversions at a meeting in
the neighborhood of Cherokee, Colbert county.
—Rev. E. B. Teague, of Selma, expresses, in the
Tuscumbia Herald , the opinion that a Baptist
paper must be established in South or Middle
Alabama again. We are sorry he thinks it. —Six
conversions and three accessions to the churchi
resulted from a recent meeting at Cave Spring.—
The Montgomery Advertiser announces a revival
meeting as in progress at the Second Baptist
church of that city.
Arkansas.
At Enon church, Bradley county, 17 have been
baptized ; at Friendship church, Jefferson coun
ty, 4; at (Liberty church, Grant county, 9; at
Harmony church, 9 ; at Philadelphia church 10;
at Arkadelphia, 8.
Kentucky.
Rev. S. L. Helm, D.D., has accepted pastoral
charge of East Baptist church, Louisville.—Our
church at Winchester has hail 12, and at Siigo,
Henry county, 13 accessions.
Louisiana. I
A meeting at Salem church resulted in 14 ac
cessions to its membership, (13 by baptism) ; and
one at Boggy Bayou church in 23, (18 by bap
tism). —At Bayou des Glaises church, July 25th,
E. K. Branch was ordained to the ministry ; ser
mon by Rev. T. Lansdell. He enters at once on
the mission field, under appointment from the
Board of the State Convention, sacrificing the
prospect of independence and wealth in a few
more years as cotton planter.
Missouri.
D. M. Lee, an Elder in Prospect church, Rey
nolds county, has been excluded for immoral and
unchristian conduct.—The St. Louis Baptist ex
pects soon to welcome to this State “Rev. Law
rence J. Robert, M.D., of Albany, Ga., and C. R.
Cullen, M.D., of Richmond, Va.”
North Carolina.
It has been decided to sell our house of wor
ship at Greenesboro, and invest the proceeds
arising from the sale in a more eligible site and
to appropriate the balance, if any, to erecting a
house of worship thereon, for the use of the
Baptist church in that place.—Rev. S. G. Mason,
of Yanceyville, at the recent session of Beulah
Association, said, in relation to a laterevival under
his labors: “ The church is thoroughly revived,
though some members are still backsliders. I
have never known the fallow ground more thor
oughly broken up. There have been about fifty
conversions. The whole community is alive."
South Carolina.
There have been 3 baptisms at Duncan’s
Creek church, Newberry county ; 6 (colored) at
Rehoboth; 8 at Callahan’s; 6 at Chesterville;
28 at Bull Swamp; lat Cheraw. —The debt of
nearly $20,000 on our house of worship at Green
ville, has been reduced by compromise and pay
ment to $3,000. This sum the church hopes to
reduce steadily by the envelope system of weekly
contributions, which is succeeding well; the col
lections of the first Sunday in each month being
set apart to the Boards" of the Southern Baptist
Convention, notwithstanding the sore embarrass
ments of the church.
Texas.
The Baptist General Association met at Brya,n,
July 23rd; Rev. A. E. Clemmons President. The
funds reported amounted to $412.90; the funds
collected and subscribed during the meeting to
$646.10. —A meeting in Mt. Pleasant church,
Collin county, resulted in 12 conversions; a
meeting at Rockwall in i'2 additions to the
church ; a meeting at W.llow in 12 baptisms ; a
meeting in the upper end of Blue Ridge Falls
county, in the organization of a church of 19
members and the ordination of a colored minis
ter.—ln relation to the Rockwell meeting, Rev. J.
B. Daniel writes: “Some young men laid a plan
to break up our meeting; but about twenty min
utes before it was to be executed, the ring leader
fell upon his own knife, and, I understand, died
as the result.”
Tennessee.
Six additions have been made to the church at
Bethpage, and two await baptism.—At Marlbo
rough, Carroll county 23 have united with the
church; 16 of whom were baptized on a single
occasion recently, and among them a lady of 60,
and a gentleman of 90, also blind.
Virginia.
Rev. W. C. Hall has baptized 16 at Williams
burg-—Rev. R. H. Bagby, D.D., has received an
appointment from the Board of the American
Baptist Home Mission Society, “as missionary
and teacher of African preachers.”—Thirty have
been baptized at Oak Grove, Princess Anne
county.—“ The Second Baptist church, Richmond,
sustains a day -school, to afford to such of its mem
bers as are unable to pay the usual school-rates
an opportunity of educating their children free of
cost. No tuition fees are charged, the whole ex
pense being rnet.by the church. The school is
under the direction of a board of m&nagerss.”
Address to the Baptists of Georgia.
Beloved Brethren and Sisters : The inost
of you have by this time learned, through
the Home and, Foreign Journal, and the Index
& Baptist, that 1 “would represent the inter
ests of the Domestic Mission Board in Geor
gia, as far as ray hialth will justify.”
This announcement, authoritatively made,
puts me in a new relation to you, and seems
to call forth some statements from me.
Twelve years ago, contrary to ail previous
expectations or purposes, the Lord, who “ di
rects our steps,” directed me to Georgia A
few months spent in the State as agent for the
Bible Board at Nashville, had given me a
partial acquaintance with Georgia Baptists.
But prior to, and since making Georgia my
home, I have ever found a home among you,
my brethren, wherever I have been. My
heart is always affected at the recollection of j
the kindness siiown me by so many, by all,
among whom I have ever gone, oven when an
entire stranger.
Brethren, leasons unnecessary to mention,
have forced me to the conclusion, against my
feeling of incompetency, that its God’s will,
I should accept the agency of the Domestic
Mission Board. The all controlling motive
actuating me, and without the power of which,
it seems, 1 could net have accepted so impor
tant a work, is the hope that t he cause of our
Lord arid Saviour Jesus Christ will be ad
vanced. Brethren, Missionary Baptists, the
cause of missions is the cause of Christ. Os
all missions, the Domestic Mission, the home
mission—“beginingat Jerusalem”—is the most
important. It lies at the foundation of, is
essential to, all kinds of effort to advance the
* Redeemer’s Kingdom. Now, if this cause is
promoted in our State, our Domestic Board
strengthened, its ability to work increased by
the increase of our interest,- our sympathies,
our and our money or gifts to it,
then wiH the troth be helped, light spread,
and Christ glorified hi the extension of His
calise. That this glorious result may be
achieved, my brethren, 1 appeafto you, I urge,
l beg you, in Jesus’ name, in the name of the
cause we love, to cooperate w ith me. The
hope expressed above, will be blasted in a
measure, yea, almost entirely, without your
help. Let us “be workers together” for
Jesus in this good cause. “ Receive me, that
we may be fellow helpers to the truth;” to
the truth of God, as held by us.
To those of you, with whom I am not per
sonally acquainted, it is necessary for me to
say, that rrfjj state of health is such, that it
will be mfSJy specially necessary, that if 1
succeed, yifog the aid me. Whether I shall
be able to jtsujtuflfe in the work, is to some
degree an dJfperiment. lam inclined to think
the nature of the work may be for my physi
cal good. Dear brethren, will you pray that
I may be able to prosecute the work? Very
truly, your brother in Christ,
W. N. Chaudoin, Agt. D. M. B.
Cottage Home , near Albany , Ga.
Correction.
A recent communication from brother G.
T. Wilburn, headed, “To the Central Asso
ciation,” met my eye this morning, and caused
me an involuntary start. It is an appeal to
the Association to redeem their pledge made
at their last session, to support brother W.
Norton at Penfield. Brother Wilburn is
laboring under a great mistake, having, doubt
less, misapprehended statements made to
him; or, he has been misinformed respecting
the payment of funds to brother Norton.
To my certain knowledge, he has received,
up to the present time, one-half of his yearly
payment, and at my last visit to Eatonton,
the Treasurer of the Association informed
me that he would, in a few days, send him
another remittance. I would nqt wonder at
brother Wilburn’s indignation, expressed in
terms so emphatic, nor at brother Norton’s
“deep mortification,” did the fact exist, as
stated by brother Wilburn, that “not a dol
lar had been received to defray his expenses.”
An Association pledging itself to furnish
means for the support of a Lrother to fit him
more fully for the high and sacred duties of
his holy calling, and then not to redeem its
pledge, would be worthy censure, deep and
pointed. But the fact does not exist. The
Association did promise to pay brother Nor
ton $250 per year for his support at Mercer,
and the Executive Committee have met its
obligations thus far, and will be able to pay
the entire amount before the present scholas
tic year terminates. Had the churches not
sent in means to cancel this obligation, the
Executive Committee would have frequently
“stirred up their pure minds by way of re
membrance.” But the means for the support
of both interests, determined upon at our
last session, came in as needed, to cancel
both of them.
I hope brother Norton will rectify this
mistake, as our Association has been held up
to unmerited disregard, to use no harsher
term, by brother Wilburn’s article.
I. M. Springer, Ch. Ex. Com.
Madison, Ga., Avg. Bth, 1869.
We have withheld this communication because
we regarded the correction of Treasurer Lawson,
(which was in type when this came to hand,) as suffi
cient in the premises. But as its publication is
deemed desirable, we cheerfully give it a place in
our columns.—Ed.
A Book for 8 nlliern Children.
I have been very much interested, recent
ly, by a, little book called the “Chinese
Bride,” written by Mrs. Martha F. Craw
ford, one of our Missionaries Jo China. lam
informed by the author, that the work was
undertaken expressly for the children of the
Southern Baptist Sunday schools; hut at the
time it was ready for publication, our South
ern Houses wefe not in a condition to bring
it out, and inconsequence, the American
Baptist Publication Society, at Philadelphia,
published it; and it is now attracting the at
tention of the children of our Northern
brethren, while but few of those for whom it
w*as intended have seen or heard of it. The
attention of pastors of churches and of Sun
day school superintendents, is respectfully
and earnestly called to these facts, and they
are recommended to send to Philadelphia for
the work.
In view of the large immigration now com
ing to this country from China, a knowledge
of the laws, customs and prejudices of the
Chinese has become of great importance. It
is confidently predicted that, very soon, the
“Celestials” will bean important element
in Southern society, and that they will soon
push aside the semi-barbarous African, who,
while he has almost forgotten the heathen
worship of his ancestry, nourishes the preju
dices of race to such an extent that mission
ary labor among the Southern blacks, is hope
less of good results. Mrs. Crawford has
been a resident missionary in China for nearly
twenty years. She Is an accomplished South
ern lady, and h writer of great power and
originality. The volume before me is one of
striking interest, worthy the study of the
most eminent divine, and deeply interesting
to children. There are few living persons of
equal intelligence and descriptive power, who
are so well acquainted with the character,
language and condition of these people. I
have seen no work which portrayed more
distinctly the characteristics of private and
domestic life among these strange and won
derful men. China has now become one in
the society of nations. As soon as the im- '
provements of our civilization shall be under- j
stood and used by them, the Chinese will be j
thq most powerful people on earth. They j
are a brave, literary, patient and intelligent !
people. The struggle between the religion of |
Jesus Christ and of Confucius, has already
begun. The truth will at last prevail; but
it may be after many centuries of strife and
darkness. A thorough acquaintance with
the number, condition, habits and opinions of
the enemy, should at oneh be sought.
If the Sunday School Board at Memphis
cannot make arrangement, at once, to pub
lish this book, it shouia be ordered from
Philadelphia. Send fifty cents to the Amer
iern Baptist Publicatioi>-Society, and get a
specimen copy. Alabama.
The Baptist, at Memphis, will please copy.
Clayton, Ang. 1 2th, ’69.
Indian Mission.
To Rehoboth Association^
Dear Brethren : Yesterday was a happy
day at this mission ; two more added to our
little church by baptism*. Oue is as near to
me as my own brother, for he has been a true
friend in every change and condition of my
life, since the day I preached my first sermon
at this place. 1 have pmyed for his conver
sion for more than two years, and God has
graciously blessed him. I am now readyto
say as old Simeon, “Apd now Lord, lettest
Thou Thy servant depart in peace, for my
eves have seen (the woJt of) Thy salvatioo.”
This mission station wbpld now sustain itself;
but “ for me to live is Christ.” There is
a great work yet to be done. Three others
are ready for baptism; and eleven anxious
ly came forward yesterday, and inquired,
“ What must we do to be saved ?” Some
wildly wicked men—some that surprised me
by their corning. Brethren, pray for the
mission; pray for the poor Choctaws. It is
an era in the short history of this mission
I am very happy in prbspect of an outpour
ing oT the Spirit. The jfeork is now delightful,
and if I do not visia you in October, the
reason will be either mkness ora revival.
Dear sisters, do n :-jLthink that I fail to ap
preciate your offer,/*aise and educate my
children. On The it is with the great
est desire to accept*'*., that I am striving to
visit you in October, fcut “ why should the
work of the Lord eiyse?” I will take or
send “ Cogee” and Lizzie too, if you will
faithfully raise and educate her—a dear Choc
taw orphan girl—as soon as possible. They
sadly need proper training; are growing up
in ignorance : but 1 pray for and with them,
and then leave them for work. God will
provide. Yours in love, J. S. Murrow.
Ah-to-ka, C. JV., Ark ,’Aug. 2nd, 1869.
A Work* of Grace.
My church at Antioch, Georgia Associa
tion, has been blessed with an interesting re
vivai. The meeting commenced on Friday
before the first Loft’s day in August, and
closed on yesterday, the third Lord’s day.
During its progress, forty-three were received
by experience. The blessing of God attended
specially the labors of brother M. M. Lan
drum and brother M. W. Edwards.
Fraternally, P. H. Mell.
Athens, Aug. 16 th, 1869.
Ramah Revived.
My meeting at Raqiah is progressing finely.
Twenty-one have joined, nineteen by experi
ence, two by letter; and forty or fifty mourners.
I shall continue till Sunday next. 1 have had
no help in the ministry but old brother Rain
water. Pray for us—the church is greatly
revived—to God be all the glory.
J. S. Dodd.
Palmetto. Ga., August 21, 1869.
A Refreshing Shower of Grace.
1 am happy to inform you that the Bellville
church, Conecuh county, Ala., has been re
cently favored with a precious revival. The
meeting commenced on the 31st of July,
under rather unfavorable circumstances. But
God was pleased to display His power in the
conversion of many Aouls, and in strengthen
ing the hearts o t At the close
of the meeting, wfqpf lasted eleven days, it
was my privilege tfy bury with Christ, by
baptism, eighteen hopeful converts.
*W. G. Curry.
Monroeville, Ala., August 12 th, 1869. ■
A Delightful Meeting.
We hear that Sweet Water church, under
the pastoral care of Rev. E. A. Steed, has had a
most gracious revival. During a meeting of
sixteen days there were forty-two accessions
to the church, and over fifty conversions.
The meeting has been suspended until the 2d
Sunday in September, when, we trust, others
will come forward to declare what the Lord
has done for them. * *
“Labor not in Tain.”
We have just closed a meeting of ten
days at Elim church, W'arren county. The
Lord’s people were made to rejoice in His
salvation, while ten, professing faith in Jesus,
followed their Lord in baptism. One was
restored to the fellowship of the church, and
two professed who did not unite with the
Lord’s people. The pastor was assisted two
days by brother J. H. Allen, and through
the entire meeting by brother T. J. Pilcher.
These brethren rendered valuable service.
To the Lord be all the praise.
J. W. Ellington.
Mayfield, Ga., Aug. 23rd.
Outpouring of the Spirit.
Avery pleasant and reviving meeting has
just closed with the church at White Water,
Fayette county Ga. The writer does not re
member to have ever seen a church more
interested and revived, than were the breth
ren and sisters of White Water. Neither
does he remember to have ever preached to
a more attentive congregation, for the same
length of time. The house was crowded from
day to day, and the work of the Spirit was
manifest, both among saints and sinners.
Nineteen were added*to the church, and many
left seeking the face of the Lord. Brethren
Duffy, Godrieh, and Spurlin, were present
during the general meetitig, and after its close.
Spnrlin add C. Leavell, assisted the pastor of
the church for seve/al days. The meeting
closed with a fine state of feeling. May the
good work go on. H. S. Rees, Pastor.
Turin, Ga.
Loving Churches.
1 often see statements made in the religious
press]of the building, or repairing, of churches
in our cities and towns; why not notice the
taste of the country? My good brethren at
Bethel, Muscogee eounty, Ga., have recently
repaired, repainted, and whitewashed our
house of worship/it now looks neat and
nice as a pin, and in the country too. (a not
this right ? Our house is in a beautiful grove,
nine miles north east of Columbus. The
humble pastor is blessed with an as affection
ate membership,,as any pastor in Georgia.
He is under maiiy obligat ons to them, for
their kindness in many respects.
1 have the prospect of having the- largest
contribution for missions this fall, that I ever
had. I have a missionary committee, com
posed of brethren and sisters, to solicit eofi
tributions from all the members and friends,
and they are succeeding finely. Now, brother
Editor, is it not pleasant to a pastor, to have
a church thaf is confiding and affectionate,
and ready to cooperate with him in his great
work? I also preach to one other church,
six miles north of Columbus, (Mt. Zion,)
where the membership is equally as kind and
affectionate; a good church. So lam a
sinner greatly blessed. Now, brother Editor,
l invite you to-visit us, I think if you would
let my people see your pleasant face, and hear
you pVeach, you might get more subscribers
to the Indkx & Baptist, than I can. Will
you try it? C. C. Willis.
August llth. 1860.
M&~- It would greatly please ns to visit the breth
ren at Bethel anil Mt. Zion, as well as the churches
generally throughout the State. We want to know
them all; and grieve that we do not. If we can find
or make an opportunity to do so, we will.—Ec,
Bad Printing and Good News.
It is not my usual habit to notice little
mistakes of the printer, or proof-reader; but
this once allow me to do so. In a little arti
cle of mine on “ Ritualism,” coming from
your press this week, the word “ chimerical ”
fills the place for which the shorter word,
chemical, was intended. The writer is chi
. merieal enough already, without being made
more so by the printer. The mistake alluded
to occurs in the tenth line from the top, in
the printed article.
While writing, it may be as well to give
you a little news. The church in Blakely
has had no revival, so-called ; but there is, us
we trust, a revival spirit. An estimable
young lady knocked for entrance at the door
of our church on last Wednesday evening,
and was received for baptism. To-morrow
she is to be buried, because we believe she is
dead. She is to be taken out of the grave,
because we believe she will be alive at she
time of burial. What a paradoxical people
the Baptists are! A meeting of days was
held at Bluffton, a few miles north of us, not
long since, resulting in the baptism of lour
converts, as, I think, was reported. Another
meeting, under the labors of brethren Knowles
and Wombwell, a few miles south-east of us,
resulted in the baptism of about thirty per
sons. The meeting began with the constitu
tion of anew church, and ended in a mem
bership of about sixty. Hope brethren K.
and W. caught good fish, and only good.
It may be a curious fact, but it is a fact,
that Sabbath schools are rapidly springing up
at places where none were ever before held.
Five new schools have originated in the
country not far from our village. Some of
them are in exceedingly neglected settlements.
Books and papers suitable to such schools,
would be a charitable offering, from some
Society able to make it, and of great value. If
some large hearted brother, or brethren, will
send me a lot of books, papers, tracts, etc.,
for these schools, I will see to their distribu
tion. W. M. Davis.
Blakely, Ga., Aug. 14, 1869.
Ordination.
* According to previous request, met with
the Baptist church of Christ at Mt. Moriah,
Gwinnett county, Ga., June 2nd, 1869, breth
ren A. Hadaway, A. K. Tribble, J. M. Davis
and Jas. Cain. After a sermon by brother
Tribble, a Presbytery was formed of the
above-named brethren, who, as ordained min
isters of the gospel, proceeded., to the ordina
tion of brother Perminas Williams to the
ministry, as follows : Questioned by brother
Tribble, prayer by brother Davis, Bible pre
sented by brother Cain, charge given by
brethren Hadaway and Tribble, benediction
by brother P. Williams.
Wm. A. Cain, Clerk Presb.
A Happj Week.
Our annual meeting at Pine Bluff, Dough
erty county, Ga., commenced, as usual, Fri
day before 2nd Sabbath Aug., and continued
till the 3rd Sunday. It was a happy week.
The Lord heard prayer, and blessed the
preaching of His word—the instrumentalities
we mainly depended on or used. Every
member who was permitted to attend the
services, was blessed, revived, strengthened.
And as the legitimate consequence, sinners
were converted, we trust. The additions to
the Church were, eight by letter, two by re
storation, seven by baptism. The preaching
was mainly done by brethren L. J. Robert
and W. H. Cooper, and was “in demonstra
tion of the Spirit and of power.” We all
felt that it was a golden privilege, a precious
feast, to enjoy such rich gospel sermons.
These brethren are both members, now, of
ou h church. Wm. N. Chaudoin..
■jfcev. Dr. Tucker aud the First Church. '
Irtev. H. H. Tucker, D.D., President of
Mercer University, in a letter dated 16th
August, addressed to the Chairman of the
Building Committee of the First Baptist
church, Atlanta, referring to his donation of
one hundred dollars to the building fund of
said church, says: “ 1 never made a dona
tion more cheerfully ; my heart and my
prayers go with it. You have the best
church in Georgia, and I feel that it is a
privilege to help pay for it. Hoping that
you will succeed in raising the funds to pay
for your handsome building, and all,
hoping that, under the blessing of God, you
will soon fill it with worshippers and with
happy converts to the glorious gospel, I am
fraternally yours.”
For ourself, and for the people of Atlanta,
we would sincerely thank Dr. Tucker for
this very generous contribution to the build
ing fund of this beautiful edifice. His words
of cheer and expression of earnest desire for
the prosperity of the cause here, are very
grateful to the Baptists of Atlanta.
We are informed that President Tucker,
aided by that great Architect, Samuel Sloan,
Esq., of Philadelphia, matured the plans for
the new building now approaching comple
tion. We mention this that the denomina
tion may know to whom they are indebted
for the origin of this beautiful piece of archi
tecture. *
The “Ancient Men.”
At the fork of the road leading from Wil
sonville to Harpersville, Shelby eo., Ala., re
sides our aged friend, Mr. Wallis, of four
score and six years. On the right hand
prong of this road resides, about one and a
half miles distant, our venerable father in
Israel, Rev. J. M. Scott, of fourscore and ten
years. These remarkable personages have
been living neighbors at these points for
something like forty years. What a sketch
could here be drawn of this forty years’ in
tercourse between these veteran neighbors—
how they have mingled their sorrows and
joys —how they have labored and reaped the
fruits of their labors on adjoining farms—
how they have rejoiced together in prosperi
ty and sympathized in adversity—how they
haVe gone in company to the house of God,
where the one proclaimed the word of life,
and the other listened with admiring delight!
But now, age has accomplished its work in
each of these monuments of God’s preserv
ing power, so far, at least, as to set bounds
to their steps, as though the omnific decree
had been proclaimed to them, as to the wa
ters of old, “hitherto shalt thou come, but no
further.” And thus is fulfilled the old say
ing—“once a man” to rove abroad, “twice a
child” to stay at home. So that, these aged
neighbors had not seen each other for years,
until a short time since, when it came to
father Scott “by the hearing of the ears” that
his dear old friend, Mr. Wallis, had failed on
the road in an attempt to visit him. Moved
with the impression that “my dear old neigh
bor might have something heavy on his heart
upon the matter of religion,” (using his
words to the writer) brother Scott deter
mined, Peter like, to go and inquire “for what
intent” his contemporary desired to see him.
No sooner was this faithful purpose made
known to the family, ever ready to do the
bidding of him. they reverence, than a suita
ble vehicle was comfortably furnished, and
“ Eddie,” one of his interesting grandsons,
moved away with grandpa, to witness a
meeting, such as is seldom seen.
A few hours passed away in conversation
upon religion, and other subjects suited to the
occasion and to the men, when the “man of
God” returned to his home with his feelings
somewhat relieved by an increased hope of
a happier meeting in “a better country.”
Mr. Wallis is not. a member of the church,
but professes to put his whole trust in the
merits of Christ for salvation—giving some
evidences of being “renewed in the spirit of
his mind,” by statedly reading the Bible, and
the habitual performance of other duties.
Some days after the visit from fHs gonjl old
friend, he determined on returning the call.
This time, however, he made known his pur
pose to his devoted and attentive son,
“Wales,” who unhesitatingly provided a
comfortable conveyance and accompanied his
father to make, perchance, his farewell visit
to the house of his favorite preacher.
These venerated old men have outlived
three generations, and„DUsy be regarded, with
a few others here and there throughout the
land, as living here alone.
Last Sabbath was father Scott’s sixtieth
spiritual birth day. His mind remains strong
and clear; his knowledge of passing events
comprehensive ; his then\p, the Cross, aud
his anticipated home, heaven. May the
tottering steps of these dear old men, in at
tempting to visit each other, be succeeded by
a meeting in a better land—
“A land upon whose blissful shore,
There rests no shadow, falls no stain ;
Where those who meet shall part no more,
And those long- parted meet again.”
w. w.
A Yisit to South Carolina.
I promised you, when I wrote you last,
that 1 would try and do something, during
my visit to South Carolina, for the Index and
Baptist; and would, if desirable, give you
such information concerning the progress of
Zion, as I might obtain. I send you a few
names of subscribers. I could have done
more if opportunity and circumstances had
been more favorable; but money being
scarce, the drouth prevailing to almost an
alarming extent, the general circulation of
the Herald and the Working Christian, in
South Carolina, and being constantly and la
boriously eqgaged the whole time myself,
rendered it almost impossible to do the work
necessary to procure subscriptions, especially
amongst the country brethren, who are gen
erally cautious and prudent in their expendi
tures.
My visit w as confined to Edgefield District.
As far as I saw and could learn, the churches
are being refreshed. I attended a week’s
meeting with brother Trapp, at his church at
Stevens’ creek, in which I think, at the con*
elusion, he baptized thirty-eight, in all. This
church numbers some four hundred and fifty
members, and their able and efficient pastor,
brother Trapp, has been serving it thirty-six
years. I also attended a meeting two days
—last Monday and Tuesday, at Gilgal, of
which brother Brunson is pastor, where a
most interesting meeting is progressing.
Several had joined at the time of my leav
ing. This, also, is a flourishing church of
some four hundred and fifty members.
Prior to these revivals, a meeting had just
closed at Mt. Tabor, where brother A. P.
Norris had been laboring. Some forty-five
members were added to the church. Upon
my return home, I stopped over at Granite
ville and preached to the church there. This
is also a large and flourishing church, of which
brother Norris is the able and efficient pas
tor. A revival has just closed there, in
which fifty members were added to the church.
This is certainly, from all appearances, a live
church. Other revivals are progressing in
this District, also in others. Much of this
work, however, is being done over the head
of the churches, which, in many cases, are
cold and spiritually declining. G. A. L.
Americus, Ga., Aug. 21, ’69.
Seasons of Refreshing.
I have just closed a series of interesting
meetings at Mt. Pisgah and Red Bluff
churches, Montgomery county, Ga., an ac
count of which I will give you, as you request
such information from pastors and churches.
Our meeting at Mt. Pisgah commenced on
Sunday, (their regular conference day,) the
17th inst., and continueff till Thursday eve
ning, the 22d. Our congregations were large
and attentive. I baptized four during the
meeting, and received seven more for bap
tism. The last day of the meeting was at
tended with peculiar interest; nearly all the
members of the congregation, with tears in
their eyes, begged Christians to pray for
them. Many persons in the vicinity of Mt.
Pisgah are hopefully converted, and we trust
will soon tell us what good things God has
done for their souls, whereof they are glad.
The church at Mt. Pisgah is yet in its infan
cy, having been constituted since the war,
with but few members. At the commence
ment of this year it numbered but nineteen
members. It has, during the year, received
by letter and baptism, enough to swell its
number to thirty-one, and seven more, now
waiting for baptism, will make a total of
thirty-eight. To God be all the glory.
We bade adieu to the congregation at Mt.
Pisgah on Thursday, the 22d, to visit Red
Bluff, where we began a meeting on Saturday,
the 24th. This meeting, though of short
duration, was attended with much interest.
It lasted till Tuesday, the 27th, at which time,
we being worn down by constant travelling,
and excessive labor, both night and day, were
compelled to close, notwithstanding the wish
of the church and congregation for it to be
continued. We enjoyed the labors of our
dear brother Winhain one day; but his
health was so feeble that he could not give
us more aid. I baptized, during the meeting
at Red Bluff, sixteen willing converts, and
received seven more for baptism. The church,
which has been for some time in rather a cold
condition, is now greatly revived, and we
trust much good will result from the meeting.
To sum up. We labored at the two
churches ten days, baptized twenty, and re
ceived fourteen more for baptism, who will
probably b e, buried in the liquid grave at the
next of those churches. God
be praised for his wonderful goodness.
W. L. Geigbr.
J\lt. Veruo?i y Ga., July 30 th t 1869.
Merciful Visitations.
On Saturday before the third Lord’s day
in July, and on the regular meeting day at
Mt. Vernon Baptist church, brother R. L.
Powell, pastor, J. L. Godwin, R. M. Owen
and N. C. Hornady began a meeting of great
interest, which lasted nine days. During
that time twenty were added to the number
of the saints at Mt. Vernon; fifteen whites
were baptized, five of whom belonged to the
Methodist society; and one was received by
letter. Four blacks were baptized.
On Saturday before the fourth Lord’s day
in July, the pastor, brother Isaac Hobby, be
gan another meeting of great interest at
Drayton, which lasted for nine dajs, and ten
precious souls were added to the Baptist
church at that place. Seven were buried
with Christ in baptism, and three were re
ceived by letter. Brother Hobby was assist
ed by brethren Powell, Godwin, Owen and
Hornady. H. N. Smith.
Drayton , Ga., Aug. 9 th, iB6O.
“Days of the Son of Man.”
We are glad to say to you that the Lord
has not withdrawn His Spirit from us. We
have been blessed with an outpouring of that
Spirit at Ebenezer church. The meeting was
conducted by the pastor, brother J.C. Camp,
who is a faithful and zealous worker. Six
have been added to the church by experience,
and the meeting is still going on, and has
been for nine days. The membership has
been greatly revived, and some young breth
ren have taken great interest, and will, we
hope, be of vast importance to the good cause.
We always rejoice to see young soldiers en
tering the holy army, and feel confident that
the influences of the meeting will be felt for
time to come, though there are still those we
love who are out of the ark of safety.
R. E. P.
Ebenezer church, Aug* IS, 1860.
A Revival at Antioch.
I haVe 'just returned from Antioch church,
Tatnall co., Ga , where the good Lord poured
out His Spirit upon us ali. The church at
that place, is under the pastorate of brother
A. YVeathers, who is growing in favor c<gi
stantly with bis charge. In consequence of
sickness brother Weathers did not attend the
meeting regularly. The meeting commenced
the third inst., and when I left, the thirteenth,
it was still going on. The meeting was char
acterized by deep, serious and solemn feel
ings, and great interest was manifested
throughout the meeting. It was a time of
peculiar anxiety, hope and rejoicings. Broth
er C. T. Mosely, of Swainsboro, was in the
meeting, and preached with “the demonstra
tion and the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Many sinners were convicted of sin, many
converted from the error of their ways,
while twenty-six happy, and as we trust re
deemed, souls were added to the church. I
was obliged to leave the dear brethren and
go to my own church, viz., Tom’s Creek,
Liberty co., where the new Sunbury Associ
ation is expected to meet Saturday before the
3rd Sabbath in October, at which time I hope
to see brother Toon present to lay- the
claims of the. Inde* before the people.
There is a large field for Sunday school
operations in this part of the State; 1 have
frequent calls to assist in the organization of
Sunday schools. Most of the churches seem
anxious to have them, but complain of their
inability to carry them on successfully. I
have recently furnished several schools with
libraries. W. O. Darsky.
Kollock Street Church, Augusta.
The good work still goes on in our
midst. I have baptized six since my last.
Our congregation is large, and deep
feeling prevails; the entire congregation
appears to be under the influence of the
Spirit. Brother Shuck,from Barnwell,S. C.,
preached for us, on Sunday night, a heart
searching sermon ; and on last night, brother
Hard, of this place, preached for us. Hi 9
subject was, faith in Christ as the only Sav
iour ; and if any did not understand, it must
have been because they did not pay atten
tion. Our meeting still continues; and may
the Good Lord continue to bless, and to Him
be all the glory. H. A. Williams.
A Revival.
I would state, for the encouragement of
your readers, that I have just closed a meet
ing of eight days’ continuance at Rocky
Creek church, Laurens county, Ga. Twenty -
nine related an experience of Grace—l 4
whites and 15 colored—also, one backslider
reclaimed. I closed the meeting from ex
haustion ; having no ministerial aid during
its entire progress. The church is greatly re
vived and encouraged, and the careless sin
ner awakened. To God be all the praise.
E. B. Barrbtt.
Aug. 13th, 1869.
Ordination.
In compliance with a previous appointment,
the Baptist church of Christ at BeJthabara,
after an ordination sermon preached by
brother A. K. Tribble, met in conference,
July 10th, 1869, and formed a Presbytery
consisting of the following brethren, viz:
James M. Davis, A. K. Tribble and P. Wil
liams. Brother James M. Davis being ap
pointed Chairman, led in the examination of
the following-named candidate—Hiram W.
Rainey. The Presbytery finding him sound
in the faith, the ordination prayer was deliv
ered by brother James M. Davis, the Bible
was presented by brother P. Williams, the
charge was given by brother A. K. Tribble,
the benediction pronounced by brother H. W.
Rainey. John W. Dalton, O. C.
Baptist Statistics.
The American Baptist Publication Society has
issued two numbers of the Baptist Year Book.
It is desirable that it should be made perfect. In
the Book for 1869 we find the following Practi
cal Suggestions, which we commend to the at
tention of all who are able to aid in securing full
and accurate Baptist statistics. The documents
desired should be forwarded at once:
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS.—The minutes of
Associations are the source whence our statistics
must be chiefly drawn. The Clerks ol the Associa
tions will confer a favor, and help on the work which
we have undertaken, if they will note the following
particulars in their minutes:
1. The number of churches.
2. The names of post-offices of ordained ministers,
whether pastors or not.
3. The additions by baptism, letter, experience and
restoration, in separate columns, added up.
4. The diminutions by death, letter, exclusion and
erasure, also in separate columns, and added up.
It will prevent confusion, also, if they will, on the
title page, specify to what Stale the Association be
longs, and, if any of the churches are located in other
States, indicate it in the minutes.
The minutes of State Conventions and General
Associations have hitherto furnished us valuable help.
The value of these minutes will be greatly increased
if they embody, hereafter:
1. Correct lists of all the Associations in the State,
with an abstract of their statistics, as given above.
2. The names and statistics of Anti-Mission Bap
tist Associations, and lists of all unassociated Baptist
churches.
3. The'number of Baptist houses of worship, with
their value, and the worshippers that they can ac
commodate, together with the number and value of
parsonages.
4. The statistics of Sunday schools—the number c>f
schools, officers, teachers, scholars, volumes iu libra
ry, teachers baptized, and scholars baptized.
5. The name and post-office address of every or
dained Baptist minister in the State.
6. Lists of all the ministers who have died in the
State during the year.
A special request is made that the clerks and sec
retaries of all Baptist Associations, Conventions,
Societies, Theological Seminaries,Colleges, and other
educational institutions, will please forward, as soon
as they are issued, two copies of their minutes,
reports, or catalogues, to Rev. B. Griffith, D.D., No,
530 Arch street, Philadelphia.
Rev. I. J. Roberts. —The Rev. I. J.
Roberts, so long a Baptist missionary in
China, is now in this country, worn-out and
feeble. His name will go down to posterity
along with those of Gutzlaff and Henry
Martyn, as eminently blessed in their labors.
Mr. Roberts gathered, while in China, a great
quantity of material, both in print and man
uscript, for a full history ofChristian Mis
sions in that country. These he has an
nounced his intention to deposit with the
Baptist Historical Society, that it may appoint
some one to write such a history. It is to be
hoped that there will be found, among these
documents, the requisite materials for a me
moir of brother Roberts, aside from the
notices which would necessarily occur in the
history.— Cor. Nat. Bap.
Lawsuit against a God. —A writer in the
Calcutta Christian Repository tells a curious
story of a Chinese who had a sick sod. He
made costly offerings to a certain god, with a
view to his son’s recovery. All was in vain ;
the child died. Hereupon the father filed a
bill in court, charging the god with a breaph
of contract. The case was duly tried. This
idol was brought into court. The father
pleaded that he had done everything that the
ritual required of him in order to propitiate
the deity ; but, through some strange perver
sity or inability, the god had failed to per
form his part of the contract. The god had
no way of rebutting the evidence. Judg
ment was accordingly given against him, and
he was forthwith expelled from the province.
The Gospel without Improvements. —The
Boston correspondent of the Christian Intel
ligencer says: A story is afloat of a pastor
here who while preaching the gospel often
furnishes addenda by way of quaint com
ment, and not altogether in taste. At a
weekly prayer-meeting, tl>e members
of his church in praying for the pastor, fer
vently asked for “grace to be given hi in to
preach the gospel, and not improve on it.”
Short Sermons. —An eminent English
Archdeacon boasted recently that he never
preaches more than ten minutes. *